Minimum foundation size and spacing for jacket supported offshore wind turbines considering dynamic design criteria

Modes of vibration play a dominant role in the design of WTG (Wind Turbine Generator) support structures. It is necessary to choose the overall system frequency such that the modes of vibration do not coincide with the rotor frequencies as well as the wave frequencies. WTG supported on multiple foundations (such as jackets or seabed frames) may exhibit rocking modes of vibration if the vertical stiffness of the foundation is not large enough which in turn may have serious implications on the fatigue performance of the overall structure. From the O&M (Operation and Maintenance) point of view, it is necessary to design the overall system to have sway-bending as the dominant mode of vibration. This paper develops a formulation for obtaining foundation (for both piles and shallow suction caissons) sizes and spacing such that rocking vibrations are prevented and sway-bending vibrations are achieved. Expressions for the minimum vertical stiffness of foundations are proposed for different configurations: square base, symmetrical (equilateral) triangle, or asymmetrical (isosceles) triangle. Verification of the method is carried out through finite element analysis and a step-by-step solved example is taken to show the application of the formulation. It is hoped that the formulation will assist designers to optimize the foundation arrangement and provide preliminary sizing for tender design